Cost of Owning a Pet

4/7/10

It is important that prospective pet parents be aware of the cost and time commitment required in owning a pet.  Millions of unwanted pets are euthanized every year in the United States as a result of unprepared owners.  If an individual is not able to meet the needs of an animal by providing appropriate amounts of time, energy and finances, then pet ownership is not a good idea.  If you love pets, but have a limited budget or time constraints, there are other ways to get involved—volunteer at a shelter!

The following costs of pet ownership are for an average 35 pound dog or an average 10 pound cat in a suburban environment.  If you live in a larger metropolitan area you may need to double or even triple the cost.  These are averages and do not take into consideration any medical issues your pet may develop (such as ear infections, allergies, obesity, etc).  This also does not include purchase price (free up to $1500.00 for some purebred dogs and cats) or cost of spaying or neutering (free up to $400.00). 

Annual cost of owning a dog
Food Treats Vitamins/Supplements Veterinary BIlls	$300.00 $ 20.00  $ 20.00 $360.00  (includes annual exam, vaccines, heartworm, flea control, deworming, dental care)
Accessories Training Fence/Yard Grooming Boarding	$ 50.00 (includes bed, collar, leash, bowls, crate, toys, etc) $ 50.00 $ 50.00 $150.00 (includes shampoo and grooming tools) $ 100.00
TOTAL	$1100.00 each year
Over the life of a 13 year old dog =	$14,300.00

 

Cost of owning a cat
Food Treats Vitamins/Supplements Veterinary BIlls	$200.00 $ 10.00  $ 20.00 $300.00  (includes annual exam, vaccines, heartworm, flea control, deworming, dental care)
Litter/litterbox  Accessories Grooming Boarding	$150.00 $ 50.00 (includes bed, scratching posts, collar, bowls, toys, carrier, etc) $ 50.00 (includes grooming, hair removal tape) $ 100.00
TOTAL	$1100.00 each year
Over the life of a 15 year old cat =	$13,200.00

 

Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM, ,is a renowned, board-certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist who has practiced at the Animal Medical Center in New York City and other leading institutions. She is an active member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Donna has written and lectured extensively on topics including nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney failure and respiratory disease. She is widely recognized for her role as consulting veterinarian to HALO, Purely for Pets, her TV appearances with Ellen DeGeneres and her widely-quoted pet health advice in print and on radio.  Dr. Donna performs medical, nutrition and weight loss consultations for dogs and cats through her web-based veterinary consulting service, www.SpectorDVM.com.